Celtic Diary Thursday September 21: You Hit Us, He Hits You

Neither was it the sight of an enraged Neil McCann doing an imression of a wet drunk who had been refused admission to a nightclub-though that was funny.

It was the realisation that Celtic have got a player who will hit an opponent back who hits one of ours.

For a while now , referees have largely ignored it when hooped players are subjected to rumbustious treatment. So much so that last nights whistler, John Beaton, didn’t understand how to react when Olivier Ntcham decided that he would adapt to the physicality of the game with a few interventions of his own.

He took a couple of sore ones, and gave back a couple of sore ones.

When he took them he simply got up and got on with the game. When he gave it back, we had to wait for the other guy to get up so we could get on with the game.

This video, from videoCelts, shows the attempt to break his ankle by Jack Hendry. note where the referee is…

So, as you see, the no protection policy is still in place, and even just a few games ago, that would have been seen by opponents as a carte blanche to be, er, enthusiastic.

Not any more.

Oddly enough, the one Ntcham got booked for was little more than a fifty fifty aerial challenge, whilst the one he didn’t get booked for looked a little like a whack in the throat that had the Dundee player doing the dying fly in the centre of the park.

I’m not condoning that sort of challenge, because had it been one of theirs on one of ours we’d have been furious, but it wasn’t so I don’t care.

We’ve been the subject of enthusiastic and competitive tackling.

Now we’re giving it back.

As he grows in confidence and maturity he’s going to make Roy Keane look like Julian Clary.

After the game, Neil McCann, who had said his team wouldn’t park the bus etc before going on to park the bus etc, said afterwards…

“On the whole I can have no complaints about the result,”

“I think it was a remarkable work rate by my players against a top-class Celtic side who didn’t rest too many for the Old Firm game.

“I think that is good respect to my side and indeed I don’t think it was a 4-0…

Hang on, lets check…

WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

QUARTER-FINAL

Dundee 0 Celtic 4

FT

Sorry bud, it was..

“I think that flatters Celtic.”

It didn’t.

Dundee did have a chance in the first half, but apart from that Brendan Rodgers was seriously considering removing Craig Gordon for the last twenty minutes and bringing on another forward.

Another who shone for Celtic was James Forrest, who notched up two goals and stuck up two fingers to those who thought the arrival of Patrick Roberts would see him relegated to a supporting role this season.

If Brendan Rodgers can turn an average player into a good one, then when he gets a good one he can turn them into a great one.

Forrest had a rough time under Deila, and maybe lost his way a little. Under Rodgers he is beginning to fulfill that potential we saw when he burst onto the scene, and frankly he’ll be the first to do that in many a year.

His manager said …

‘He is really improving his numbers, that’s what his job is.

‘Firstly, defensively he is working very hard in his pressing and tactical idea of the game.

‘He has great quality in both feet, his first goal, he comes on the inside and finishes really well and the second one he moves in off the line, Odsonne (Eduard) plays him a nice little pass early and he works his feet and gets his shot off.

James, Callum, Kieran and Anthony have a combined Celtic service of 54 years. 4 great players, people & role models for our Academy kids.

Three other Academy players featured for Dundee last night. They can’t all play for Celtic, but they are receiving an apprenticeship that is giving them a top level career in Scotland.

All eyes are now on the next game, the lunchtime visit to Ibrox to face “rangers “.

With an important game in Brussels to follow, there is every chance Rodgers will rest a few key players, but thats probably not going to happen as the press continue to hype what is essentially a warm up into a game of some sort of significance.

Actually, its quite easy to get warmed up over this game.

Not because of the shite they out in the pitch, but because of the flies that swarm around it.

The Auchehowie Academy, once the Murray Park conveyer, has altered one of its traditional recruitment policies. In days gone by it would have been unheard of for catholic or Celtic minded players to be learning their trade there.

However, due to the Academy having to make some money to at least pay for itself, the old tradition has been quietly ditched as it wasn’t bringing in enough money to make it a viable operation.

In recent years, various players have been touted as the next multi million pound sale, but the reality is somewhat different, as the players just aren’t good enough to make a name at “rangers “, and therefore only old pals down south are interested in putting money on the table.

This has led to old walls being left unguarded and the enemy working within..

So their some of their support think, at least, and after discovering some Celtic minded comments on social media platforms by some of “their own “, all hell broke loose.

They have lost their club, their history and now it appears their fucking minds as well.

They will never learn, and because of that, I would like to see a comprehensive win on Saturday.

Just because it will hopefully turn these people away from football for good, and then we can start breathing clean air again.

Then , perhaps, the decent fans can take over, and rid themselves of the cancer that is eating them up.

Mind you, if they don’t, I won’t be too concerned. They’ve had several chances and spurned them.

‘And remember, when you drive your caravan through a built up area beware of the beautiful children and the excited dogs. Make sure you choose a lower gear and don’t drive too quickly, or you’ll miss the opportunity to score wonderful goals and receive the acclaim of the peepil….compreendo?’

‘Ehh, s s sure boss.’

Today….

76 Responses

RoscoSeptember 21, 2017 at 8:51 am ·

Kris Boyd tries his hand at poker, having found the trials and tribulations of being a football player, pundit and colomnist a bit too dare I say “taxing”

Have to add, great column again today. Isn’t McCann a moany wee shite. Every problem that comes his way, he deserves. As for the “tarsier” hating fans of some new club, how can they get so upset aboutvwherevothervoeople come from or worship? What a waste of a life.

Honest HoopsSeptember 21, 2017 at 9:09 am ·

Caption; traynor to regan….look here you fecking wimp of a man, I will only show you this one more time….this is how you rig all cup draws so we always have a home game…got it??

The more pictures I see of Neil Mc Canns gub, the more certain I am that he was weaned on pickles …

hectorSeptember 21, 2017 at 12:15 pm ·

I saw one description of Mc Canns gub as looking like a bulldog licking piss of a nettle which made me smile.

BroxburnBhoySeptember 21, 2017 at 12:18 pm ·

lol I think he needs a Trump like nickname – since Neil McCann is an odious man it has to be “Odious Neil McCann”

WeeredSeptember 21, 2017 at 2:36 pm ·

BB…Odious Mc Cann has a certain ring to it…

I was trying to fit it into an “Commodeous Mc Cann… a commode being a piece of furniture which conceals a chamber pot 🙂 but the modern useage of commodious is far too positive for that turd

Rob O'KeeffeSeptember 21, 2017 at 10:38 am ·

I loved the way Craig Gordon just stood looking down at the poor wee soul,holding his throat,thrashing his legs about,not giving a feck.That’s the spirit.Some more please for Liebrox.People from abroad reading the diary,please note the ” comments” from the Sooside Sectarians and realise why we sing our songs,support the GB and will call out Huns at any opportunity.As you can see,they are a dangerous enemy and have to be confronted wherever and whenever.
P.S.Thanks Ivanka for your lovely e-mail and pictures xxx

Puggy67September 21, 2017 at 10:40 am ·

Caption: Midget – “Fatboy how do you get into those trousers.”
Fatboy; “Fold.”

GerrySeptember 21, 2017 at 11:25 am ·

To echo a comment from Monti last night, Wednesday is indeed the big game. My mate had asked me would I take a defeat at their midden if we got a win in Anderlecht, I said no problem at all. He (St Mirren fan) doesn’t understand that they are completely irrelevant to me. That said losing our unbeaten run to them and having to listen to their fans would be grim, but Progres on the European scene is what I want and we’ll win the league win, lose or draw on Saturday.
Getting the balance right between playing guys returning from injury and resting the same players is a bit of a minefield for Brendan just now ie Boyata is showing the rustiness now rather than getting rid of it in pre-season games; such as his misplaced pass leading to their player being through on goal and misreading the ball for their other big chance. We can’t aford those mistakes in Belgium, hope we get our team right over the next few games. Same for Dembele I imagine, he’ll be sharp enough for SPFL but perhaps we should stick with Griff, Sinclair and Forrest for Wednesday.
Regardless I’m going to Ayr races on Saturday so if Charlie has any decent tips for a change I’d be happy to take them, or anyone else for that matter.

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 11:43 am ·

Gerry,
I wouldn’t take a defeat at the Reichstag tho, fuck that 🙂

GerrySeptember 21, 2017 at 2:01 pm ·

Fair do’s let’s just win them both!!

Hail hail!!

bgbhoySeptember 21, 2017 at 12:22 pm ·

tip for ayr on saturday… stay out the campbleton bar

AldoSeptember 22, 2017 at 6:30 am ·

Good tip for Ayr, “open the window”

AldoSeptember 22, 2017 at 6:32 am ·

Dirty carpet…never been beaten

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 11:45 am ·

Caption: ‘ Super scoreboard live ‘

Derek Johnstone get’s his chips down early

D'Fhinnein MickSeptember 21, 2017 at 11:56 am ·

CAPTION

But we’re not playing for money,officer. We’re playing for pies-but he keeps cheating!

BroxburnBhoySeptember 21, 2017 at 11:57 am ·

I would take two wins. The “rangers” game should be a decent training session after a frantic first 15 minutes. If crazy Perdro tries to do anything other than park the bus, we will put them to the sword again I suspect. Anyway I think we can beat the best squad in Scotland with some room to spare. Anderlecht are a different proposition entirely. That will be a very difficult game and any points we can get there will be well earned. We have a good chance to pick up CL points from Anderlecht and I bet they are thinking the same thing about us. Should make for a great game.

Caption: Now over to the BT Sport studio, where ally mccoist and Chris Sutton (wearing Warburton’s magic hat) , will interview Gordon Strachan

Devoy45September 21, 2017 at 12:50 pm ·

Caption: Theresa May’s cabinet meets in secret (hence disguises) for post-Brexit power carve up. Boris has got fat from eating the proceeds of the £350 million per week as well as the bus it was posted on.

It was so obvious last night, come out and kick the shit out of Celtic, thankfully we did not suffer any serious injuries. Loved Ntcham giving as good as he got. Beaton was his usual waste of space, also they do not understand the offside rule.
Saturday will be the Rankers diving and rolling about as if they have been shot, but this could be embarrassing for them
7-1

Heres my receipt for the rangers top, its too big, can I get my money back?

Lenny BruceSeptember 21, 2017 at 2:57 pm ·

Caption

A heavily disguised Karamoko Dembele agrees to a secret meeting with an unnamed Level 5 representative….

Marcello StefaniSeptember 21, 2017 at 3:57 pm ·

Caption: Derek Johnstone, Hugh Keevins and Pedro move the glasses around as they discuss tactics for the game against Celtic.

jimmybeeSeptember 21, 2017 at 4:47 pm ·

So the spfl have decided there is no point in gaining justice for the teams cheated by the ebt scandal. The game is fucked.
Today supporters should call on a boycott of all away grounds and cup games.
Enough is enough.

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 7:53 pm ·

Jimmybee,
I second that!

Rob O'KeeffeSeptember 21, 2017 at 8:04 pm ·

Don’t worry Monti,RTC on Twitter is stating that the judicial review is purring along nicely……Our Day is Coming…..

Rob O'KeeffeSeptember 21, 2017 at 5:51 pm ·

Right competition time: Scores please for Saturday.Those correct will then go forward to predictions for the Anderlecht game.Usual £100 prize,you choose what you want to do with it.
P.S. Noticed story about Willie Maley,who was basically shown the door,never set foot back in Parkhead because of the mob running the club,some things never change throughout history.It’s in Mail online in Prince of Goalkeepers story.

WeeredSeptember 21, 2017 at 8:24 pm ·

Blue balls 1 6 Celtic

I’m not bothered who scores as long as raggers are loyally, royally, rampantly rogered and roasted… Ken

iancelt67September 21, 2017 at 10:51 pm ·

1-1, 1-2
thats a celtic win at anderlecht

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 7:26 pm ·

“rangers” 0 Celtic 4

Dembele
Griffiths
Forrest
Sinclair

Rob, if i win, i want you to go to Celtic park or immediate surrounding area, find that wee boy with his Hoops on & ball under his arm…..give the £100 to him please.

Rob O'KeeffeSeptember 21, 2017 at 8:02 pm ·

I shall certainly carry out your wishes.Probably go into Shettleston and find some wee Bhoys with jackets down for goals and brighten up their lives for a while.I would be happy with 0-4,so happy I might take my seat as a souvenir,as usual,just kidding occifer…..

Puggy67September 21, 2017 at 8:16 pm ·

See Man City are under investigation for tapping up youth players. Any academy director would never get a job at a decent club again if guilty of that. Who was that guy Sevco got in the summer? Glib and shameless as they say in court.

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 10:29 pm ·

Ralph,
You know how Newscasters refer to IS as ” So called Islamic state”?
Could we not use this terminology when referring to the unwashed?
‘ so called rangers ‘ 🙂

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 10:31 pm ·

Well Well Well
Get it right fuckin up ye Mcinnes!

MontiSeptember 21, 2017 at 10:32 pm ·

Semi final draw: Hibernian v Celtic
sevco v Motherwell

iancelt67September 21, 2017 at 10:51 pm ·

1-1, 1-2
thats a celtic win at anderlecht

Yoker BhoySeptember 21, 2017 at 11:03 pm ·

Nice one Rob. I’ll go for Huns 1 Celts 3. Should be fun playing the Hibees in the semi.

Which will start the new Celtic song of “five-one, we always win five-one…”
This score line & song will continue every match against them for decades (or until sevco go bust), which will make it a lot easier for me to win ma fitba coupon.
Rob- please give my guaranteed winnings to the Celtic FC Foundation

BondiBrianSeptember 22, 2017 at 8:38 am ·

4-1. Tellin yi. Griff. Forrest. Dembele. Armstrong.

charlieSeptember 22, 2017 at 8:46 am ·

7-0 to the champions j aitchison hatrick mikey johnston hatrick and calvin miller thunderbolt if it wins keep yer fuckin money a genius like me will be working oot the lottery numbers this week

MontiSeptember 22, 2017 at 9:28 am ·

Well done to big Chris Sutton for pistol whipping Craig Bellamy!
Craig, no one at Celtic gives a single fuck about what englanders think…
We are all Brendan!

MontiSeptember 22, 2017 at 9:46 am ·

‘ So called rangers ‘ v Celtic

I like this wording….

Devoy45September 22, 2017 at 10:23 am ·

‘So called Rangers…” Perfect Monti. Let’s make it so.
Given the hype about tomorrow, any win would work for me and a draw wouldn’t be cause for great concern. I don’t see a big scoreline somehow but I also can’t see them stopping our forward line, even if they so-called ones grab a goal or two. It’s our defence troubles me but that won’t matter if we have the ball most of the time. We shouldn’t always expect 5-1 and it puts pressure on our bhoys to do rugby scorelines. I want the MIBs to not behave like MIBs but like intelligent, fair match officials!!!
How many on this site are going to Snake Mountain tomorrow? (Remember Castle Greyskull was where the goodies stayed) I’m away doon sooth for a few days so must depend on our fair-minded media for coverage…aargh.
Craig Bellamy can go screw himself, the self-important cunt!
Hibs was a good draw for us, not because they are weak but because we respect each other and there will be no Famine Songs. Many of my family were/are Hibee supporters. They would be my second team of choice if I had one but I don’t have one.
C’mon the Celtic.